The creative duo Julia Galdo (b. 1984) and Cody Cloud (b. 1977) formed JUCO after meeting at the San Francisco Art Institute in 2002. Their first collaborative projects were originally constructed at university as assignments, but after graduating they continued working together. They rapidly became a powerhouse for creative responses to fashion and advertising, working with global brands and magazines including Foam, The New Yorker, Saatchi and Saatchi, Sony Music, Teen Vogue, Apple and Microsoft.
Delving into their archival material provides an explosion of energy: stripes, polka dots and florals jar against block backgrounds. Meanwhile, bowls of jelly and geometric cakes appear as playful props. JUCO first featured as cover photographers for Aesthetica Issue 59, demonstrating youthful and experimental images that exude imagination. Taking inspiration from films, music and the artistic people around them, Galdo and Cloud continue to create a playful vision of the world. In every image, custom-made sets come alive with intricate patterns and correlating colours.
They often use the same camera on shoots, passing it between one another to share the responsibility of creative direction. The duo returned as cover photographers for Aesthetica Issue 82. Realised as a collaboration with Los Angeles-based artist duo Kat and Roger – Kat Hutter and Roger Lee – the featured compositions centred around vivid patterns, lush plants and natural clay ceramics. Visually satisfying interiors are created through colour blocking and fluid lines – primary reds, blues and yellows stand out against one another.
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Lead image: JUCO, Jello, 2015. For Paper Magazine. Model: Chrystal Copland. Styling: Shirley Kurata. Set design: Dane Johnson. Food styling: Jeanne Kelley. Hair: Rob Talty. Make up: Jo Baker. Nails: Kait Mosh.
2. JUCO, Lay Down, 2015. For Book Moda. Model: Elena Sartison. Styling: Jimi Urquiaga. Hair: David Tolls. Makeup: Homa Safar. Set design: JUCO.
3. JUCO, Jello, 2015. For Paper Magazine. Model: Chrystal Copland. Styling: Shirley Kurata. Set design: Dane Johnson. Food styling: Jeanne Kelley. Hair: Rob Talty. Make up: Jo Baker. Nails: Kait Mosh.
4. Spring Layering Trends for Refinery29 shot by JUCO – collaboration with artist Kat and Roger on the set design. Pedestals created by Canoe Los Angeles. Styled by Emily Holland, Hair by Michael Long, make up by Mia Yang, Set design and props by Kat Cutter and Roger Lee, model Elizabeth Havird.
